The name ‘Mike Makaab’ is synonymous to excellence in the sporting fraternity. The leading football agent and CEO of Prosport International has signed some of the biggest names in football and is a firm believer in hard work and perseverance. 

Speaking to Nounouche, he shared his passion for sport, as well as the journey which has led to the industry legend he is today. 

While running one of the biggest independent construction companies in KwaZulu-Natal in the 90’s, his burning passion for the world of sport is something that never left him. 

“The late great Clive Barker steered me in the right direction. He was my coach at amateur level and he told me I was never going to play professional football because I’m too slow.  He wasn’t wrong. 

He also told me that I have a very interesting outlook to the game and a very smart brain. He believed that I would end up coaching,” said the agent.

Indeed, Makaab began coaching at junior level. He was able to continue as the CEO of his construction company while coaching players in the evening. 

“I then got offered the Manning Rangers opportunity. It wasn’t the Premier Soccer League in those days. It was the National Football League,” he explained. 

Fully immersed in the world of sport 

In 1994, he left the construction industry to fully immerse himself in the beautiful game. Makaab then went on to serve as a professional soccer head coach, winning the league in 1994 with Orlando Pirates FC and contributing to their continental club success in 1995. 

He later progressed to technical advisor to the South African senior national men’s team, winners of AFCON 1996. 

He is also South Africa’s very first licensed FIFA agent. 

In 2001, he launched Prosport, primarily as a football player management company. 

“We then decided to look at other sports, rugby in particular. We signed a number of players who were playing for the Sharks and the Boks at that time. Strangely, we’ve now gone back to our roots. It’s almost like a full circle moment. Our focus is, again, purely on football.”

Fulfillment…and footballers that become family 

Over the years, he has worked alongside clients who have become family. One of them is Siyabonga Nomvethe. He walked into Makaab’s house with his mother as a young upstart in May 1998.

“He said ‘Coach, I’d like you to manage my career’,” reminisced the industry giant. Indeed, that was the start of something great and phenomenal. 

“He’s still with me today. We work on his foundation and on coaching clinics with him. Such a wonderful human being that has never ever changed his humility.

He was the first player we ever placed in Europe. It happened to be in one of the Top 5 leagues in the world. He will always have a very special place in my heart,” spoke the agent fondly. 

When asked about his approach to sports management, he expressed that it is people-driven and largely guided by his passion and the fulfillment which comes with changing lives. 

“I’m super passionate about what I do. The essence of why I get up in the morning is the fact that it is incredibly fulfilling when you can tangibly see the difference that you make in somebody else’s life.”

Navigating industry challenges 

Over the years, he has encountered many lessons and challenges. One of them relates to investment and the  financial management of players.

“The challenge isn’t our desire to guide in a holistic manner. It is to get, particularly young footballers, to understand the importance of a vision for your life and a vision for your career,” he said.

Makaab further clarified that Prosport International continues to make various efforts in assisting footballers to invest in their lives, as well as to make wise financial decisions. Although there has been some improvement and a large number of players are buying into the philosophy, he equally expressed that the percentage is not nearly enough.

“When you’re a celebrity, you have the world at your feet and you are hero-worshipped. Success seems to be never-ending and retirement seems to be a word that doesn’t exist. Mishaps don’t form part of your vocabulary. But this is a short-lived career.” 

The football transfer window is also an extremely challenging and important period for any agency. Over the years, Makaab has learnt the importance of managing expectations and aligning the parties involved.

“In any football transfer, the three major entities are the selling club, the player and the purchasing club. All the agent is, is an intermediary between the three,” he explained.

He also emphasised the importance of understanding the market and its dynamics which can quickly change. 

“There are so many little conditions that come with each contract. There are so many technical aspects to a football transfer and it all boils down to managing the expectations of the parties involved. It comes with some manoeuvring and dialogue.”

Success stories – a significant highlight 

His years in the industry have also come with many moments worth celebrating. He views the changed lives and success stories of individuals as his biggest career highlight. 

“Every single deal that we do which changes the course of someone’s life excites us.

We signed Kostas Tsimikas at the age of 14. A young Greek boy who now plays for Liverpool some 12 years later.

There are too many highlights.  Every client we’ve worked with and improved their life is an incredible highlight to me.”

Family time and filling his cup…

During his spare time, the renowned agent can be found pouring into self and fully immersed in things that bring him joy and spiritual growth. He enjoys meditation, exercise and spending time with family. 

“I have 3 beautiful children, all married. And 6 grandchildren. I’m blessed to coach one of my grandchildren. He probably gives me a harder time than any other footballer I’ve coached at a professional level.”

Makaab can also be found curled up with a good book. 

“I’m always thirsty for knowledge. I can never get enough of it. I like to do a lot of reading on the great philosophers of the world right from the early days. In general, I just like to immerse myself in anything that will make me a better person.”

He is also fond of playing the guitar and singing. Although football is his undeniable passion, he cites his vocals as his biggest talent.  

“Every single day of my life, I pick up my acoustic guitar and I play. I sing to myself, and to my friends and family if they’re around,” he shared. 

With over 30 years of excellence in the sporting fraternity, the idea of retirement remains the last thing on his mind. 

“People ask me when I’m going to retire. The answer is never. I will retire when I’m unable to get out of bed in the morning or if my mind isn’t with me anymore and I hope that never happens.”

To all who yearn for success and longevity in their respective fields, Makaab recommends knowing your why.

“Make sure, whatever you do, you understand why you’re doing it. And do it for the right reasons.”